The decades following the Second World War saw strong technological development and economic growth. They also saw "the advent of technology education", a period of extensive curriculum development in this field. But what was done and why? In order to obtain a better understanding of the historical roots of technology education, in this…

This article describes the successful "reverse brain drain" scheme offered by the Chinese government for their scholars who study abroad. The program is a significant about-face from early Chinese policy on overseas study. Government programs and individual academic departments now offer competitive benefits and salaries to candidates…

Curriculum reform in Hong Kong is one facet of a broad systemic reform variously explained in terms of addressing a changing sovereignty or more recently, of servicing Hong Kong's economic growth. One initiative supporting this curriculum reform entitled "Assessment for Learning" seeks to promote formative assessment. Three case studies,…

The Portuguese came to Macau in the 16th century, Macao has become part of China again since 1999. Under the strong economic growth in recent years, the Macao government has invested substantial human, material and financial resources for the implementation of IT in education in Macau since 2001. This paper reviewed the development of IT in…

This report examines the past record, current condition, and potential of Iraq's higher education sector. Iraqis have traditionally valued intellectual achievement, but the legacy of Baathist rule and the current tide of instability are crippling the universities' ability to function effectively. The future, however, could see those universities…

This paper examines the potential and actual contributions to regional development and growth that UK higher education institutions can make through their "third mission" activities. The authors adopt a case study approach and qualitative methods to analyze the details of academic activities, especially those related to business sectors…

Innovation has powered America's economy, creating good jobs and a high standard of living. Yet, the U.S. share of innovation-based industries is in decline, jeopardizing our status as the world's innovation leader. And one reason is that the United States has been unable to produce enough of its own workers with sufficient skills in science,…

The Postgraduate Diploma in English Language Teaching (PGDELT) programme at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore provides an interesting case study of how economic and entrepreneurial concerns and aspirations in modern university settings have played a role alongside pedagogical motivations in shaping the development of the…

Is the United States getting it wrong when it comes to educating tomorrow's innovators in critical fields? It has been known for years that the only way to compete globally in information technology, engineering, nanotechnology, robotics and other fields is to give students the best educational opportunities possible. But do individuals have a…

Technical and vocational education (TVE) can influence development and economic progress for post-colonial societies. Some newly independent sub-Saharan African countries attempted curricular transformation that might produce a skilled workforce through widespread access to versions of TVE. In Cameroon, no such post-colonial curricular revolution…

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Iceland was under Danish rule. It was isolated in the middle of the North Atlantic, enjoying only little cultural exchange with other countries. A strong tradition of literacy and nurturing of literature flourished there, while knowledge in mathematics, natural sciences and technical matters was mainly…

In 1986 the Technology and Social Change Program and the College of Business at Iowa State University joined forces to develop a new graduate course that focused on the role of the multinational corporation in technology transfer to the lesser developed countries. The course was team taught by faculty from different disciplines and colleges, and…

Summarizes the current status of the use of microcomputers in elementary and secondary schools in the Federal Republic of Germany. Curriculum development and research about computer science are described, the roles of technological advancement and education in economic advancement are discussed, and comparisons are made with other industrialized…

Argues that schools do not adequately prepare students for the rapidly changing requirements of the American workplace. Proposes an Action Plan on Education for Economic Growth, and discusses its feasibility. Outlines basic skills and competencies for productive employment. (KH)

The Education Working Paper Series is produced by the Education Unit at the World Bank (HDNED). It provides an avenue for World Bank staff to publish and disseminate preliminary education findings to encourage discussion and exchange ideas within the World Bank and among the broader development community. Throughout the 1990s and into the…